Diagnosis and Psychological Intervention for Bipolar Disorder: From Childhood to Adulthood

Dear Colleagues,

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic and disabling disease that affects about 2–6% of the world’s population, with lifetime incidence at 2%. The onset of BD generally occurs in late adolescence, however, in recent years, cases involving children have increased. In these latter circumstances it becomes very important to make a proper diagnosis, especially for overlaps with other psychiatric conditions, such as ADHD symptoms, or psychopathological dimensions, such as emotional dysregulation.

Little is known about the causes of BD, but the most relevant theories support the hypothesis of an early development of the disorder, in which oxidative stress and traumatic events play a fundamental role.

Pharmacological treatment is essential to stabilize the mood and to allow young people with BD to participate in psychoeducational treatments and in psychological interventions. BD can lead to impairments in personal and social functioning and can cause cognitive disorders that make recovery even more difficult.

Therefore, it is essential to treat BD in an integrated way with the goal of reducing relapses and obtaining personal recovery.

In light of these premises, this Special Issue aims to advance the literature on BD from interdisciplinary perspectives. We therefore welcome theoretical and/or empirical contributions that broaden knowledge on all factors and mechanisms leading to the development of BD from childhood, involving diagnosis, pathophysiologic models, as well as pharmacological and psychological interventions of this chronic and severe mental illness.

Dr. Laura Bernabei
Dr. Enrico Pompili
Dr. Valentina Piserchia
Guest Editors

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• bipolar disorder
• child and adolescent psychiatry
• psychological interventions
• social rhythm regulation
• substance abuse
• cognitive behavioral therapy
• emotion dysregulation
• mood disorders
• pathophysiologic models